How most Pakistanis behave and the expectations for how foreigners must behave is
deeply rooted in the people's Islamic faith. For women traveling to
Pakistan, it is easiest (but not required) to travel with their husband,
father, or brother. Single women travelers are looked at oddly and traveling with
a man who is not related or married to you is widely considered inappropriate. Pretending
you are married is not right, but most Pakistanis would consider it less offensive
than a single man and women traveling together. It is also improper for a man to
touch a woman, even holding your spouse's hand or offering to shake the hand
of a person who is of the opposite sex can be considered inappropriate to a conservative
Muslim.

In addition to this, the dress requirements (above) and dining restrictions (see
our Pakistan Dining & Food Page
for more information) are the most important behavioral factors to keep in mind.
According to Islamic law, pork should not be consumed and alcohol is forbidden,
however there is little worry about adhering to these rules since neither is available
anywhere in Pakistan. You should note that attempting to
take either into the country is also strictly forbidden.

Finally, avoid sensitive conversation topics, beginning with politics, finances,
religion, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart. Also try to avoid
being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or getting noticeably drunk in public.

Dress

The traditional dress of Pakistan is called shalwar kameez; shalwar
referring to loose-fitting pants and the kameez being a long shirt or tunic,
generally with a collar. Both the shirts and pants reach to the wrists and ankles,
respectively and are loose-fitting so nothing is revealed. For men this outfit is
generally very simply designed and light colored, but for women it can be incredibly
colorful with great detail. Over time, this has become more of a dress for women
as it has taken on the shape and various styles of dresses found throughout the
world.

Today the traditional shalwar kameez is still the most popular outfit in
Pakistan, but there is a growing trend to wear western-styled clothing, which are
generally conservative, much like the traditional clothing as it is considered inappropriate
to show any of the arms or legs beyond the wrists and ankles. Many women also wear
something to cover their hair, no matter what style of clothing they wear, but today
more and more Pakistani women are not covering their hair.

As a foreigner in Pakistan, you should dress conservatively, covering your arms
and legs completely and women should also be prepared to cover their hair; women
should do what they feel most comfortable with in regards to covering one's
hair. As western-styled clothing is common in Pakistan, visitors are welcomed to
wear this so long as they cover up.